altitude

[al-ti-tood, -tyood]

noun

1. the height of anything above a given planetary reference plane, especially above sea level on earth.

   Synonyms: elevation

2. extent or distance upward; height.

   Antonyms: depth

3. Astronomy.,  the angular distance of a heavenly body above the horizon.

4. Geometry.

   1. the perpendicular distance from the vertex of a figure to the side opposite the vertex.

   2. the line through the vertex of a figure perpendicular to the base.

5. Usually altitudes. a high place or region.

   mountain altitudes.

6. high or important position, rank, etc.

altitude

/ ˈæltɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. the vertical height of an object above some chosen level, esp above sea level; elevation

2. geometry the perpendicular distance from the vertex to the base of a geometrical figure or solid

3. Also called: elevation. astronomy nautical the angular distance of a celestial body from the horizon measured along the vertical circle passing through the body Compare azimuth

4. surveying the angle of elevation of a point above the horizontal plane of the observer

5. (often plural) a high place or region

altitude

1. The height of an object or structure above a reference level, usually above sea level or the Earth's surface.

2. Astronomy,  The position of a celestial object above an observer's horizon, measured in degrees along a line between the horizon (0°) and the zenith (90°). Unlike declination and celestial latitude —the corresponding points in other celestial coordinate systems—the altitude of star or other celestial object is dependent on an observer's geographic location and changes steadily as the sky passes overhead due to the rotation of the Earth.

3. Astronomy,  See more at altazimuth coordinate system

4. Mathematics,  The perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure, such as a triangle, to the opposite vertex, side, or surface.

Other Word Forms

• altitudinous adjective
• altitudinal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of altitude¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin altitūdō; alti-, -tude

Word History and Origins

Origin of altitude¹

C14: from Latin altitūdō, from altus high, deep

Synonym Study

See height.

Example Sentences

Key factors include the altitude and latitude of particle release, the time of year, and the total amount of material injected into the atmosphere.

Read more on Science Daily

Hostile drones come in all shapes, sizes, speeds and altitudes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“China’s vast geography, with its range of climate, altitudes and ecosystems, creates an extraordinary biodiversity,” says King’s Joy executive chef and owner Gary Yin.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

At these altitudes, dangerous storms pop up quickly.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In 2011, the Canadian entrepreneur and flying enthusiast tested his first boxy prototype, reaching an altitude of 10 feet.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• distance 
• elevation 
• peak